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08/15/2024
VPMA State Technical Meeting Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities
Registration Now Open - Grab Your Spot - Limited Premier Sponsorships Available
VPMA Master Technician Series
Occasional Invaders - September 23rd & Termites - September 24th - Hampton Roads
This career-advancing program is composed of a series of workshops investigating eight major pest groups - Ants, Bed bugs, Blood-Sucking Arthropods, Cockroaches, Occasional Invaders, Pest Flies, Rodents, and Termites.
At the completion of each pest group workshop, participants will receive a certificate designating them as a VPMA Master for the pest group they have completed. Once a technician has mastered four of the eight pest groups, they become a Master Technician. While 4 pest groups will earn an individual the Master Technician designation, most knowledge-seeking Master Technicians complete all 8 pest workshops to gain superior knowledge and control of just about any pest they may encounter in the field.
Earning a Master Technician designation sets a PMP apart from your standard technician. When mastering a pest group, a technician delves deep in to understanding the biology, behavior, and characteristics of each pest. For most of the pest groups in the program technicians learn to use a microscope and taxonomic key to learn how to accurately identify a specific pest. Proper ID can make a major difference to the treatment methodology and formulation selection to achieve the best control of certain pests. Once the biology and ID have been mastered, the rest of the course focuses on exploring all viable control methods, formulations, and tools available for the management of each pest group.
Don't miss this opportunity to earn these two pest groups.
Use the link below to register for one or both pest groups!
Master Technician: Occasional Invaders
Date: September 23, 2024, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Workshop Location: near Hampton Roads - exact location TBD
Cost: VPMA Member $209 - Non-member $330
Recertification credits have been applied for in 7a and 60 in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Washington DC, and West Virginia.
Master Technician: Termites
Date: September 24, 2024, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Workshop Location: Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center (HRAREC) Termites Identification
Cost: VPMA Member $209 - Non-member $330
Recertification credits have been applied for in categories 7a and 60 in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia.
Workshop Summary:
Out of all pest problems, termite infestations are by far the most costly. Nationwide, termite infestations cause an average of $5 billion in damages each year. All technicians will likely encounter termites at a customer's structure at some point, whether they are servicing for termites, general pests, or another issue. Understanding the complex nature of this pest group and the significant differences between species is vital to gaining control of infestations and providing effective protection for your customers' structures.
The Master Technician: Termites workshop goes beyond just scratching the surface of this pest group. The curriculum delves deep into the world of subterranean termites, examines the challenges posed by Formosan termites, and explores drywood and other types of termites. A thorough review of the biology and behavior of termites, along with the types of damage they cause, is conducted. Technicians will also learn to identify different species of termites by examining their physical characteristics under a microscope and using a taxonomic key to learn how to make a positive ID.
Throughout the course, we will discuss best practices for inspection, application methods, and control. Participants will learn the pros and cons of all viable products labeled for termite control and how and when to use different formulations and methodologies depending on building structure (e.g., slab foundation vs. basement), geographic location (e.g., sand vs. clay), and other environmental factors (e.g., wells, streams, drift & non-target impact). Conventional treatment methods are covered, but attendees are also exposed to new, novel control methods and tools. During hands-on demonstrations, attendees will rotate between three demos:
- Long-rodding: A required tool in the arsenal of any “Master Technician,” this demonstration will cover the strategic placement of termiticide under slabs using long-rodding techniques. Though not regularly employed, this process remains a crucial skill for comprehensive termite control. Attendees will learn proper application methods and how to identify situations where long-rodding is necessary, reinforcing their expertise as Master Technicians.
- Borate treatment: Participants will gain hands-on experience with borate treatments, focusing on the importance of the correct formulation ratio and application techniques. The session will emphasize the significance of proper application for effective termite control.
- Liquid treatment: This session will explore the latest advancements in termite baiting technologies and practices. Attendees will learn about proper bait placement, application methods, and how to determine when baits are the most effective solution for termite control.
This workshop will provide even the most experienced termite technicians with new knowledge and tools to enhance their termite treatment plans.
At the end of this event, each participant will earn their Master Technician: Termite certificate.
Master Technician Termite trainers will include Dr. Dini M. Miller, Professor, Virginia Tech, Morgan Wilson, Ph.D. Candidate, and Shannon Harlow-Ellis, ACE, Mosquito Joe Corporate.
Email us at office@vpmaonline.com if you need any assistance getting registered!
